Duration of Panchayats, etc
Article 243E — Duration of Panchayats, etc
sooner dissolved under any law for the time being in force, shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer. (2) No amendment of any law for the time being in force shall have the effect of causing dissolution of a Panchayat at any level, which is functioning immediately before such amendment, till the expiration of its duration specified in clause (1). (3) An election to constitute a Panchayat shall be completed—
- (a) before the expiry of its duration specified in clause (1);
- (b) before the expiration of a period of six months from the date of its dissolution: Provided that where the remainder of the period for which the dissolved Panchayat would have continued is less than six months, it shall not be necessary to hold any election under this clause for constituting the Panchayat for such period. (4) A Panchayat constituted upon the dissolution of a Panchayat before the expiration of its duration shall continue only for the remainder of the period for which the dissolved Panchayat would have continued under clause (1) had it not been so dissolved.
Plain English Summary
This article sets the time limit for Panchayats (local self-governing bodies). If a Panchayat is dissolved, it can continue for five years from the date of its first meeting. Elections to form a new Panchayat must be completed before this duration ends.
Key Points
- A dissolved Panchayat can continue for five years from the date of its first meeting.
- No amendment of a law will dissolve an existing Panchayat during its term.
- Elections to establish a new Panchayat must be completed before the end of the original duration or six months after dissolution.
- If the remaining time is less than six months, no election is required for that short period.
Why It Matters
This ensures continuity in local governance by providing a defined timeframe for existing local bodies and setting clear rules for when new elections must take place.
Landmark Judgements
No major landmark judgements.